The chancellor wants to save Germany - and himself: "It's a difficult decision"

Not only the weakness of the soccer team and the heat worry Germany, but also the faltering economy • When Volkswagen, which was one of the most stable companies in the country, threatens to lay off 100,000 workers, Friedrich March's government took a bold step • Among the reforms announced: raising the retirement age, making it easier to hire workers, and a requirement to see a doctor on the first day of illness • This may be the last chance to curb the extreme right